|
|
main route outline
Getting there
At Struy Bridge, a sign points to Strathfarrar, from where there is a short drive to the gate barring access to the glen. See details in 'Local Information' for access arrangements through this gate. Drive along the glen, note the speed limit is 30mph, but the local, the hydo-board and post traffic travel a lot quicker than that ! You'll be suprised at the amount of wildlife visible, probably due to the glen being quiet. It's 12km to where a track heads of right up the hill by the Allt Coire Mhuillidh. This is the end of the hill-route, so park your car here. I tend to bring my bike with me in order to cycle to the start of the hill-route. Braulen Lodge, which is passed on the way, is well kept up, but I've yet to see it occupied. It's 7km to the start, where I tend to leave my bike just after the forestry and the bridge at the junction with the track heading uphill.
Sgurr na Fearstaig
Start up this track, past the hyro works and follow the Allt Toll a'Mhuic. The track quickly becomes a path, which is excellent until it has to cross the Allt Toll a'Mhuic. This crossing can be difficult in spate. After crossing, the path is still distinct, but now wetter and therefore not quite so obvious. The path continues past Loch Toll a'Mhuic then climbs up grassy and wet ground. At around c830m, the path starts to turn north and head for the bealach between Sgurr na Fearstaig and Sgurr Fhuar-thuill. Instead of aiming for the bealach, I prefer to aim west and strike directly uphill onto the southern arm of Sgurr na Fearstaig, that way I get the views earlier. On grassy ground, reach Sgurr na Fearstaig, then follow a path to Sgurr Fhuar-thuill. Amazing views west and north from this summit.
Sgurr a'Choire Ghlais
From Sgurr Fhuar-thuill's summit, turn south-east and follow a path down to the grassy bealach. Up an easy slope to the cairn on Creag Ghorm a'Bhealaich, where Carn nan Gobhar and Sgurr a'Choire Ghlais come into full-frontal view, with Sgurr na Ruaidhe just popping up behind. Initially turn south from this top, and follow the rim of coire round to gradually turn east down to the next bealach. The initial climb up Sgurr a'Choire Ghlais is on grass, then small boulders in grass and finally a field of boulders and blocks on the approach to the summit. There are two large cairns and a trig point on the broad summit.
Carn nan Gobhar
In mist the continuation of the route might not appear obvious. Just slightly north of the trig point, look for a faint path heading north-east. The path quickly gets lost in a boulder field. It reappears as grass is reached and is obvious down to the bealach and starting up Carn nan Gobhar. Just above c900m, the path makes a distinct pull north-east away from the crest. Keep to this and you'll reach the boulder-field on Carn nan Gobhar's long summit. A small cairn marks the top.
Sgurr na Ruaidhe
Aim east from Carn nan Gobhar's cairn over more boulders. Once onto grass, start turning south-east, then pick up a path over the heather to the narrow bealach. After an initial short climb, the rate of ascent easies and grassy ground is climbed to the summit of Sgurr na Ruaidhe. Not a particulary exciting summit, but the view back along the ridge is wonderful.
Return
From Sgurr na Ruaidhe, turn south west and start heading downhill. A faint path is picked up and, although it disappears occasionally into the wet ground, it is obvious enough to follow down to the Allt Coire Mhuillidh. Follow the river down to some hydro works, where a track takes over to follow down to where your car is parked.
|
